The darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer who rejects the cruelest girls in Westerberg High, the Heathers, for a new boyfriend who plans to put the girls in their place, six feet under, exposes bullying, depression, teen suicide and a range of adolescent issues in the hilarious heartfelt comedy, Heathers: The Musical Oct. 30-Nov. 10 at Southeast Missouri State Universitys River Campus.
Based on the wildly popular cult film classic, Heathers, the show follows Veronica as she falls in love while climbing atop the high school food chain. When character Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bow down to demands. However, her dark and dangerous love interest has another plan.
With lyrics and book by Laurence OKeefe and Kevin Murphy, this rock musical is based on the 1988 film of the same name written by Daniel Waters. After opening in Los Angeles, the show moved Off-Broadway in 2014 followed by an Off-West End run. The production is certain to spark conversations, appealing to anyone whos ever been in love, trouble or high school.
Sponsored by Rhodes 1010 Stops and Commerce Bank and produced by The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, Heathers: The Musical is a part of the 2019-2020 mainstage series at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 and Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9; and 2 p.m. Nov. 3, 9 and 10 in the Rust Flexible Theatre.
Were all very excited to bring Heathers to the River Campus, said Dr. Kenn Stilson, chair of The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance. So many of us loved the movie, and when I saw the show Off-Broadway a few years ago, I knew it would be the perfect vehicle for our students.
With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers is one of the most popular new musicals in recent history.
The show has adult themes, said Stilson, but it will appeal to anyone who loved the movie as much as us. Its a dark comedy and great fun, but theres a real point to its message.
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased by contacting the River Campus Box Office, located in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling (573) 651-2265, or online at RiverCampus.org.